Sacred Harp Sing at St. Peter's, Tunkhannock on January 8th

[From Fr. Ed Erb]

David Martin of St. Peter's Tunkhannock is very active in the Sacred Harp Society.  What is that, you ask?  One of the very important foundations of (early) American hymnody, sometimes called "Shape Note" singing.
 
A Sacred Harp Sing is being held at the new St. Peter's Church off Route 6 in Tunkhannock on Sunday, January 8th at 3:00p.m.
 
Associated particularly with the Appalachian mountains, Sacred Harp/Shape Note was developed as a means in the Singing School of teaching music to "the back-woods."  Many of our beloved hymns come from the tradition of unaccompanied four-part singing which inspired many generations of early Americans from New England to Appalachia and the Southern states.  Many hymn-books common to the 19th century Church followed suit:  The Sacred Harp, Southern Harmony, Kentucky Harmony, Songs of Zion and many others sought to educate and inspire.
 
A "sing" typically involves a square of tenors (with the melody), altos, sopranos and basses in sections facing each other.  A signature element is the 4-shape notes, familiar elipse (or "lozenge"), a square, a triangle and a rectangle, each of which indicate a particular note of the scale.  (In an 8-note octave, the four signs are repeated "do" through "fa," "sol" through "do" - think, "Do a Deer" and go from there.)
 
If you are intrigued, we invite you to come and join us in this unique experience.  Sunday, January 8th at 3:00 p.m. at the new St. Peter's Church in Tunkhannock.  Contact David Martin for more information:  [email protected]

Diocesan Life for November 2011

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St. Peter's, Tunkhannock to host benefit concert for H.A.N.D.S. of Wyoming County

[From David Martin]

A free concert by an award winning a Capella quartet will take place Sunday September 18, at  5:00 PM at St Peter's Church, 3832 Route 6, a mile east of Tunkhannock. “Breakout” is a quartet with members from both New York and Pennsylvania.  Formed in 2007, their first onstage performance occurred at the Barbershop Harmony Society Seneca Land District Competition in October of that year, where they won first place.   They went on to win another District Championship, and in 2010 the quartet represented the Seneca Land District at the international quartet competition held in Philadelphia.

The members consist of Kevin Jones  - Bass, Jerry Schmidt – Tenor, Dave Scott – Baritone, and Mike Spencer – Lead.  Each of the singers has appeared with numerous other award winning quartets, and they have also performed similar benefit concerts for other worthy causes.  Collectively, they have about 100 years of Barbershop quartet experience. The Endless Mountains Barbershop Chorus of Wyoming County will also present a  selection of songs.

H.A.N.D.S. (Helping Area Needs for Diverse Early Child Care Services) of Wyoming County is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality and availability of early care and education in Wyoming County.  H.A.N.D.S. implements planning strategies that allow growth and development of quality early child care and access to education services.  The proceeds of a free will offering will go to support H.A.N.D.S. Projects for Wyoming County children.  Refreshments and a reception will follow the concert.  For further information call 836-2233.

Diocesan Life for September 2011

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St Peter's Tunkhannock invites community to dedication ceremony for new building

The parishioners of St Peter's Church, Tunkhannock, have announced the  dedication service of their new worship space, and invite  everyone in the community to join them in the celebration. The dedication service is set for Sunday, June 19, at 4 p.m. The church has also sent out special invitations to local clergy and leadership  of other congregations. Bishop Paul will  preside. In addition to worship space dedication,  Bishop Paul will also dedicate a crucifix, the organ, the baptismal font, lecterns and the altar, which was used  at the original location at Second street in Tunkhannock.

All are invited to the reception following the dedication service. Senior Warden Wes Spencer recently encouraged the parishioner to “invite all your friends and neighbors  to come and help us celebrate.”  The plans for the dedication have been underway for several months, and have  been assisted by a parish committee and by the Ven. Howard  Stringfellow, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Bethlehem. St Peter's Church is located at 3832 state route 6, less  than a mile east of Tunkhannock,